The Kimberley Prospector

NORTHERN CAPE – The Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM) is facing scrutiny as Kimberley residents question the mismatch between the city’s water storage capacity and the frequency of water interruptions. Despite having over 90% of water stored across three dams, the municipality appears to supply the city as if it relies on a single dam. The largest dam is close to 70% capacity, collectively reaching 85%, theoretically sufficient to meet the city’s water demands. The municipality’s official statement attributing today’s unintended daytime water interruption to a drop in levels at the Newton Reservoirs and the use of only one pump has left residents puzzled and sceptical.

In the media statement, Thabo Mothibi, Communications Manager at Sol Plaatje Municipality, apologized for the inconveniences caused by the daytime interruption and assured residents of efforts to uphold the Water Recovery Programme schedule.

The statement explained that three reservoirs were over 90%, resulting in their closure for storage, and the city was supplied through the 102 megalitre reservoir, which dropped to 69%, necessitating the use of only one pump. The 91 megalitre reservoir was then opened to pump with two pumps and accumulate enough pressure for high-lying areas.

Residents are increasingly disillusioned, unsure of whom to believe, and question the reliability of the municipality’s explanations. As Kimberley’s infrastructure faces challenges, the community calls for transparent communication and tangible solutions from SPM to restore confidence in the city’s water supply system.

A concerned resident posted pictures of the reading on his water pressure meter to a local infrastructure group and stated that he didn’t believe that SPM was continuously running on one pump throughout the day and suspected they had turned off both pumps at Newton Reservoir sometime during the day before restoring the water supply later in the afternoon.

The Kimberley Prospector will continue to investigate and report on developments as they unfold.

Resident Voice Your Concerns

???? Attention Kimberley residents! Your voice can make a difference.

???? 159 and counting, complaints are flooding in from residents across Kimberley left without a municipal water supply. We want to emphasize that this feedback form is now an integral part of the official complaint filed with the South African Human Rights Commission on 28 November. ????????

???? If your municipal water in Kimberley is not restored as per the published schedule,

???? If you believe these water interruptions infringe upon your basic right to water, we urge you to fill in the attached form.

???? Kimberley residents experiencing water scarcity, your input is crucial! This form is linked to the filed complaint, and by sharing your water challenges, you contribute to the collective effort for a prompt resolution.

???? https://kby.za.net/i-have-no-water-form

Let’s amplify our voices, stand united, and ensure the protection of our right to access water. #KimberleyWaterWoes #CommunityVoices #WaterRightsMatter